PS 635 

.29 

I B897 ** Performed for the Benefit of the Rhode Jslntu 

I ^ Homeopathic Hospital, of Provideure, R.I. 

Copy 1 



GAME OF CHESS: 

A 

Powerfully J/^s- Constructed 

lowic Iprralic ||irckcii(ar 
BURLESQUE EXTRAVAGANZA, 

IN FOUR ACTS. 



BY 



George E. C. Buffington. 




PROVIDENCE : 
J. A. & R. A. Reid, Printers. 
1875. 




|d 



Not to be played without permission of the holder 
of the Copyright. 



GAME OF CHESS: 

A 

Powerfully ifi's- Constructed 

foittic %\mi\t Ijieckiilar 
BURLESQUE EXTRAVAGANZA, 

IN FOUR ACTS, 
BY y' 

George E. C. Buffington, 

INTRODUCING IN GORGEOUS AND NOVEL COSTUMES 
THE 

Kings, Queens, Knights, Bishops, Castles, 
and JBaivns of the 

CHESS BO.A.I^x)- ;r-^ 

X 's i ''■■'•' C/;x«v >. 

•^ 1075 ^ , CO 

PROVIDENCE : ^"---i: 

J. A. & R. A. Reid, Printers. 
1875. 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the year A. D., 1875, by Geokge E. G. 
BuFFiKGXON, in the Office of ihe Librarian of Congress, at Washington- 



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ARGUMENT 



At some period, more or less remote, there lived in one of the 
most luxurious regions of Utopia a race of people peculiar to 
themselves, known as Chess. 

Their form of government was monarchical, but it possessed 
a singular law to the effect, that in the case of a plural birth, 
each child was an heir-apparent, and equally entitled to the 
throne, while the marriage of one necessitated the abdication 
of the other. 

Suffering the same distinctions of color as other mortals, they 
were divided in as many clans, each clan, however, maintaining 
its own king and cabinet. 

Dissensions and strife were common amongst them; in fact, 
they formed the principal amusement of the nation. 

At the commencement of our story, the aged and infirm rulers 
have considerately given up the ghost, leaving us a fresh lot to 
start with. 

The young white King, (Sciepccvick) has recently married, 
and of course is deeply in love with his beautiful bride. (Clienta). 

At the palace of the red King, (Gnottobougm) however, 
another picture is presented. The Queen. (Maria) is liis twin 
sister, and her Knight, (Sir Gryve) having fallen in love with 
her, the King is aware, that unless he can prevent the marriage, 
he must lose his crown. As the prospect is not particularly 
pleasing, he seeks his Bishop, (Pollio) upon whose advice he 
relies, and asks for counsel. 

This Bishop has enjoyed the confidence of the family for 
many years, but he iscrafty, ambitious, and like Wolsey, reach- 
ing for a higher position— secretly he would be King. Therefore, 
he counsels the young King advantageously — for his own ends. 
The latter becomes morose and cruel, threatening his sister's 
life if she should dare to marry, but both he and the Bishop 
labor under an erroneous impression, as the Queen does not 
reciprocate her Knight's passion. 

At the tournament given by the white King she becomes en- 
amored of the latter's Knight, (SirNaedham) and is equally be- 
loved by him, but fearing her brother's threats, and aware that 
the real facts would increase his anger, should he discover 
them, she is very unhappy. 

This fact does not escape the notice of her loyal subjects. 
who, being of sensitive natures, and quite unaccustomed to the 
brutal treatment they have received from the King, lay a plot 
to dethrone him, and thus free her. 

An accident reveals to them the Bishop's aspirations, and 
naturally indignant, they resolve to punish him by turning his 



o ARGUMENT. 

desires to their own purposes. They therefore acquaint him 
with their design, and iiiofeniously lead him to think that the 
King once out of the way they will place him upon the throne. 
They thus secure his alliance to the plot, which is now turned 
to murder, he believing that thus supported by the people, he 
can displace the Queen. 

At the dead of night the conspirators proceed to the King's 
bedchamber and are about to accomplish their bloody purpose, 
when they are surprised b}'^ their Queen, who having been 
awakened by the noise, rushes in, just in time to save her 
brother's life. Bewildered, she promises secrecy, and bids them 
depart just as the King awakens and demands the cause of her 
presence in his apaitment. Pointing to their retreating forms, 
she declares a band of masked ruffians sought his life, which 
he now owes to her. Touched with compassion, he offers to 
submit to her union with her Knight and abdicate in peace. 
Thinking it a favorable opportunity, and hoping that his grati- 
tude may overcome his prejudices, she tells him the true state 
of affairs. All his old anger quickly returns, he renews his 
threats upon her. and vows never to permit it. 

Shortly .ifreru'ards he discovers his Bishop's duplicity, and 
believing Sir Naedham to have been in league with him, he 
draws a dagger, and in a moment of rage attempts the white 
Knight's life. The host now interferes to protect his Knight, 
the red King is disarmed, while the challenge is quickly given, 
accepted, and the bloodless battle on the chess-board shows the 
victors and the vanquished. 

CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 
RED. 

GNO TTOBOUGM The King BASS. 

MARIA The Queen SOPRANO. 

S I \i PARDOLPH Kinffs Knight BASS. 

Srii GRYVE Queen's Knight BARITONE. 

POLLIO Kinq's Bishop BARITONE. 

TARDO Queen's Bishop BARITONE. 

SCIEPCEVICK The King TENOR. 

CLIENT A .The Queen SOPRANO. 

SIR NAED HAM Kinq's Kniqht TENOR. 

SIR DULLE Queens Kniqht BARITONE. 

MORTAL ANDO King's Bishop BASS. 

NEBUSCO Queen's Bishop TENOR. 

Castles and Pawns as Chorus. 



(S)aTnc of (B}vc^^ 



Just before the curtain rises^ chorus of female voices, waltz move- 
ment in overture to '' Poet and Peasant.'''' 

Light, happy and gay are we, 

From care and sorrow free, 

O, thus may it ever be 

Day after day. 

Tra la, la. And repeat^ retarding, and exit. 

ACT I. 

SCENE l.— The gardens adjoining King Sciepcp:vick's i^aZace. 
Bustic seat. L. 

Enter [r, u. e.] Two Red Pawns, arm in arm. 

1st Pawn. Well , here we are ; we've roamed the gardens through ; 
I'm nearly tired out, old boy. arn't you? 

2d Paion. I am. So please you, let's be seated there. 
And tell me all you know of this affair. 

1st Pawn. With all my heart. [They sit.^ Well, now, you see 
this King. 
Whose guests we are, thought it would be the thing 
To give an entertainment, a parade 
That would cast all his neighbors in the shade. 
The times are very bad, of course you know. 
But then he could afford to make a show, 
Throw open his house, send out bis invitations 
And let friend Humphreys superintend the rations. 
The idea pleased him, so he set about it 
And when he told his wife, (he had to shout it — 
She's slightly deaf and couldn't hear without it 
But interesting though, and don't you doubt it,) 
She seemed as pleased as any little kitten. 
Much more than fellows who have '•' got the mitten,"' 
And said she'd do the honors, never fear. 



10 GAME OF CHESS. 

Although they'd not been married half a year, 
'Twas rather soon, perhaps, to give a party. 
But wonders never cease you know, my hearty. 
We live in a fast age, the more's the pity. 
And pay a heavy bill to light the city. 
Towards something new the city council leans. 

2d Pawn. Is't oil or tallow candles? 

\st Pawn. No. its Beans ! 

The husband wished to make an awful spread 
Let cost no matter what it w6uld per head. 
A very generous spirit filled his breast; 
But said his wife. I hardly think it best. 
If you should lose your hold and tumble down. 
You'll hurt your head and may be crack your crown, 
While if 3^ou start from olf the bottom round 
The ladder's top will liold you, when it's found. 
Allow me to suggest, an invitation 
Be given to the red clan of our nation. 
We'll hold a festival, a tournament. 
And sports both rare and new we will invent. 
He acquiesced, as all good husbands do ; 
We're here to see the sport, and help them through. 

[ TJiey rise and come down. 

2d Pawn. Here comes two other pawns. 

1st Pawn. Des^aionding creatures, 

The cruel marks of war are on their features. 

Enter TWO White Pawns, l. f. 

1st White P. Good morning, friends, we're really glad to see 

you, 
Id White. You ain't agoing home to-morrow, be you ? 
1st Bed. Wh}^ bless you, no, we came to see the fun, 

We'd stay forever, every mother's son ; 

This place is lovely — we are quite enchanted. 
2c? White. I say, old boy, don't talk so loud. Its haunted. 
1st White. His aunt did scare him when he was a boy. 
1st Bed. His father's hope, \^To each other laughing . 

2d Bed. Yes, and his mother's joy. 

1st White And that's the reason he is now so foolish. 
1st Bed. It strikes me it is getting rather coolish ; 

What say you to a dance, will you join in? 
1st White. We niioht. but Bishop thinks it is a sin 

To dance ; he is so strict. 
2d White. O, he is horrid, 

And yet his face is awful full and florid. 



GAME or CHESS. 11 

2d Bed. Perhaps he's only strict when he is near you, 
For wheu he's quite alone— he does'nt fear you. 

WALTZ. Thousand and One Nights. 

As they are dancing.^ enter Mortalando. l. u. e. 

Mort. O, O, what are you doing, tell me quick, 

[They stojj; agitation of the ^Vhite Pawns, 

I seem to feel my flesh with needles prick ; 

You're dancing now before my very face ? 

I'll hasten to the church and state the case. [Going. 

1st Bed. Ahem ! I say I — most reverend father I 
Mort. Sir? [Stops. 

1st Bed. O, now I've hit it right. We might infer 

You meant to join us. 
Mort. So I did. but knock me, 

If these proceedings did'nt really shock me. 
1st Bed. [Brings him down., and slipping his arm through the 
BISHOP'S.] Perhaps you think our pastime is all folly. 
2d Bed. [Taking the bishop's disengaged arm.^ But we assure 

you that it's awful jolly. 
Mort. [Looking from one to the other. ^ It is. I never heard of 

such a thing. 
1st Bed. You do not think it really wrong to sing? 
Mort. [Shaking his head slowly.^ No, but it leads to dancing 
as you see ; 

To avoid the one, [Pushes off one of the Pawns. 

You must from the other flee. [Pushes off the other. 
1st Bed. My Christian friend, do you enjoy your life? 
Mort. I do. 

2d Bed. Where did you get such Quaker notions? 
Mort. [Quietly.'] Oh, they grew. 

This breast has always been serene. 
1st Bed. [ To audience.'] I doubt it. 

Mort. If such is life, I'll get along without it, [Going. 

2d Bed. But stop. Don't get along so fast. Are yow sick? 

Now get a short turn back, [Jerking him round.^] and face 
the music. 
Mort. Young man ! I fear you do not know my station, 

I am a holy friar 
1st Bed. Botheration ! 

I've got some fine old port, come, take a wink, 
Mort. Ha ! Ha ! Where's Packard, [ Then remembering himself] 

Sir, I never drink, 

My bark, sir, minds her helm, when in the lee, 

I never go for port when I'm at sea. 



12 GAME OF CHESS. 

1st Bed. O " that's too thin." But never mind, old rover. 

You'll want to see port 'fore the storm is over. 
2d Bed. It seems to me your life would be more pleasant, 

If you would let us tempt you, 
Mort. Not at present. 

1st Bed. Come join us. Just a harmless little dance 
Mort. I would'nt. not for all the gold in France. 
1st White. O Bishop, do, we'll promise not to tell. 
Mort. And would you bid me walk the road to — [Drum. 
1st Bed. Come, my good man, just throw aside your scruples 

And have a grain of nonsense with your pupils. 
2d Bed. '* On with the dance, let joy be unconfined." 
1st Bed. A pennyioeir/ht of fun at least you'll find. 
2d Bed. An ou7ice prevention 's worth ^ pound of cure. 
1st Bed. Try the Boston, and drop your Simon Pure. 
Mort. The follies of this life are not for us 

\^Aside.'] Except upon the sly 
1st Bed. O that is worse. 

Mort. What say ? 

1st Bed. I heard aright, you can't deceive me. 
2d Bed. [ To audience.^ I thought as much. 
Mort. You mean you don't believe me ? 

1st Bed. Of course I don't, we have a Bishop, too, 

He likes a merry life, and so do you. 
Mort. [ To White Pawns.] Well, pawns, your hands 

[taking them] 

And mind you keep it quiet, 

I'll take a step to show what I'm spry at. 

Dances with them to refrain of icaltz^ when enter SiR Gryve, 
a swell Knight, gotten up regardless, r. 3 e. 

Gryve. O my ! [Dances a few bars with the odd Pawn., then 

down.] I feel so '' full of light and love," [dancing ceases'] 

I'm hungry, too, conld pitch in to a dove., 

I'm not s^i<a6-sided, least I do not think so. 

She always tells me that, it makes me wink so, 

She likes to see me wink — the Queen — I mean. 

Although I am not fat. towards her I lean. 
2d White Pawn. I'm glad to see j^ou. [Offers hand. 

Gryve. [Taking it.] O my, quite delighted; 

I could'nt bear to see a fellow slighted. 

[Eyeing him.] It seems to me. my friend, we've met before. 
Pawn, And so it seems to me. 'Twas at a store, 

Where coffee, eggs, and sugar, flour and rice, 

Molasses, oil, and everything that's nice 

Promisciously lay upon the floor. 



GAME OF CHESS. 13 

They paid you three and a half a week, 

IBeiinqnishing hand.^ No more. 

Gryve. \_Aside.'] He's telling real lies. 
Pawn. [Aside.^ I realize it, 

I never spoke the truth nor learned to prize it. 
Gryve. [To /im.] O, sir, you've made a great mistake, I fear, 

[ To audience,'] What grocer's boy resembles me round here, 

I am another fellow, different quite. 

I'll tell you who I am. 
1st Bed P. So do. 

Mort. That's right. 

Song: Sir Gryve. Music: "-Cork Leg.'^ 

I am a red Knight, as you clearly can see, 
Bespangled with gems, like anicicled tree. 
My head is quite light, but my heart is not free. 
For its bound up in something that's known as a she. 

A wig. a wag, a wig a wag wag, 

A wig a wag wag, away. 

When she was eighteen, she was queen at the ball. 
So delicate, slender, so graceful and tall ; 
Her beautiful hands and her feet were so small 
That a gingham umbrella would cover them all. 

A wig, a wag, a wig a wag wag, 

A wig a wag wag, away. 

I did fall in love with this beautiful maid, 

I asked her to have me ; what think you she said? 

O run along, Eeddy, and don't be afraid 

To open a store and solicit a trade. 

A wig, a wag, a wig a wag wag, 

A wig a wag wag, away. 

But another she probably had in her eye. 
For to me she was callous and wouldn't say aye ; 
My hopes were sunk deep, and I then became shy, 
And never again would I venture to try. 

A wig, a wag. a wig a wag wag, 

A wig a wag w^ag. away. 

Unter SiR Naedham. l. f. 

Sir Naed. " Now is the winter of my discontent " 
Why is't my thoughts on her are always bent ? 



14 GAME or CHESS. 

Mort. [To hi7n.'] Your brow seems clouded, 

[Topawns who are laughing.^ Nowplease make less clatter. 

[Pawns retire up. 
Sir Naed. I am in love. 
Gryve. Same here. 

Mort. That's what's the matter, 

In love, [laughs] I never heard of such a thing. 
Sir Naed. I have. 

Ch'yve. So have I. Got a dose last Spring. 

Mort. Who is the lady? 
Sir Naed. O, I'll never tell ; 

I've loved " not wisely, but too well." 
Gryve. [ To Sir iV., pompously.'] Was she so very far above your 

station ? 
Sir Naed. "■ Go West, young man." We've quite done with 

inflation. 
Mort. Describe her. 
Sir Naed. O I can't. She was a Goddess^ 

Lovlier than Venus, and as modest: 

I worshipped her ; I always shall adore her. 
Gryve. He loved above him and she was his Flora I 

[Leaning on his shoulder. 

Preferred a Baron p'raps before a Knight. 
Sir Naed. [Shaking him off.] O, no, don't hare on me so heavy 

quite. 
Mort. Coquette., like all the rest I'll count her there. 
Sir Naed. [Savagely shaking his fist in the Bishop- s face.] My 

dukes, f/o, get^ or off 'ZZ come your hair. [Walks up. 
Gryve. [To Bishop.] An awful sight your pate would be un- 
tressded. 

Each draft would make you sneeze, although protested. 

[Exit Pawns. 
Mort. [ To Gryve.] Sir Naedham's got a miff. He don't like 
joking 

Unless the fun at some one else he's poking; 

There's evidently something on his mind 

That don't exactly please him. He's a kind 

That take things rather hard. It's a surprise 

With perfect sight, he don't /eeZ loss of eyes. 
Gryve. Your holy office does proscribe you from 

Doing anything but that, though some. 

Dare say, having longings for a different life, 

And find it hard to do without a wife. 
Mort. I love my fellow man. but then, kind sir, 

With my philosophy, feel loss of her. 

You know not what a lonely monk does suffer 

In taking on the sacred yoke. Its rougher, 



GAME OF CHESS, 15 

Than all the Corliss eiio-lue controversy 

Between the Press and Journal. O, have mercy, 

And pity do, a poor benighted sinner, 

Who, appetiteless often o;oes to dinner 

Becanse the garment he essayed to don 

Was useless quite. It had no buttons on. 
Grijve. I sympathize with you. I, too. am sino:le, 

I know a wife would make my money jinole 

But then if I could have the ^irl I'd die for 

My life, no longer, sir, would be a cipher. 
Mort. O no, becanse the girl would come to naught. 

[^Aside.] I sigh for one that's ten times harder caught. 
" Gryve. The one I'd have I fear I cannot catch 

Her brother under me some plot would liatch. 

[8iii Naedham listens. 

And send us both to our destructi-on 

At paces faster than I travel upon. 

[Bapturously .'] O lovely creature, beauteous one divine! 

[Baising hands.l O live for me. I worship at thy shrine. 
Mort. [Touching him.'] Ascension day has not arrived. 
.Gryve. [Pettishly.'] O bother! 

Mort. You love her then as strong as this? 
Gryve. Well, rather. 

Mort. Who is the girl that you would make so happy ? 
Gryve. Our Queen. 
Sir Naed. Ha! Ha! 

Mort. [Aside., laughing.] They say she thinks he's sappy. 
Sir Naed. Is he a n'vaZ?* O it cannot be, 

It's my arrival that '11 let me see. 

[Queen Maria heard without., singing. 
Mort. What angel voice is that? 
Gryve. It is the Queen. 

She nearer comes. [ Voice heard more plainly. 

Mort. Let's go, we may be seen. [Exit with Gryve. r. 
Sir Naed. It is her voice. Her voice that greets my ear. 

How sweet it sounds. I think she's coming here. 

[Queen ajjpears at window. 

I cannot go and quietly evade her. 

Instead of that I'll stay and serenade her. 

Duet— Sir Naedham and Queen Maria. 

Music — " When beneath my window^''"' — Genevieve; with the 
original words., after which Queen comes upon the stage. 
Queen. Can you tell fortunes? 
Sir Naed. O I have told scores ; 

If you'll permit I'll try and tell you yours. 
2 



16 GA^TE OF CHESS. 

Queen. [Gayly.^ O that's so nice, why it's ''perfectly spleiulid." 

[The reverse'] I wonder how I'll feel when it is ended? 
SirNaed. {Taking her hand. ^ Yon are a twin, a(s) sister to 
your brother 
In governing- your clan. 
Queen. [Aside.^ Some way or other. 

Sir Naed. A woman weak you are, and so on you 

Your brother roughly treads. 
Queen. \_Aside.'] O dear, how true. 

Sir Naed. He quite ignores you in aff^iirs of state, 
Forgetting that by law you are his mate, 
He tramples on your rights because he feels 
That he's a man, and says so with his heels. [Stamps. 
He's cruel, too, and often makes you ill, 
By heartless exhibitions of his will. 
You are in love. 
Queen. Tiiat's wrong, you're ""'led astray." 
Sir Naed. I'm sure you will be soon. 

Queen. [Bashfully.'] O. go away. [ Withdraws hand. 

Sir JVaed. 1 haven't told you half yet. Now I'll try 
Vo tell you what will happen by and by. 
[Takes her hand and scans it more closely.} There is a man 

whose face is smooth and young. 
Who coiuits himself your followers among; 
He's tall and handsome, harmless as a dove, 
And generally '•' full of light and love." 
He wears a single goggle on his eye. 
And prefaces expressions with '' 6 my," 
His di-ess, it is armorial., and he 
Is a more real swell than General C — 
He has a very haw haw sort of air, 
But still for you he's deftly laid a snare, 
He'll balance up and down to get quite steady 
And then propose. 
Queen Why he's done that already. 

Sir Naed. [In surprise. "} You know the one I mean. 
Queen. Of course, my Knight. 

Sir Naed. [Aside.] Confusion ! 

Queen. [Overhearing him.] What's the matter? 

Sir Naed. [Putting his hand to his neck.] My collar's rather 
tight. 
What answer did you give to this young fellow? 
[Aside.] I'd like to give him one to make him bellow. 

\ Illustrating. 
Queen. What, asking questions? — thought you did predict. 
Sir Naed. [Aside.] I'd really like to have that fellow kicked. 



GAME OF CHESS, 17 

Queen. Why, what's the matter? 

Sir Naed. \^Se€s he is caught and tries to turn the swdjeci.] O, 
I beg your pardon. 
What lovely flowers we have within this garden 

let me pick, you, do/ a nice bouquet 
And bring you in a fresh one every day. 

The fragrance of the flowers I Know will cheer you, 

Their odors, like my thoughts, \\ ill linger near you. 
Queen. What! changed the subject, why you naughty man. 

Kow tell my fortune just as quick's you can. 
Sir Naed. Let's see Where was T? [Thinking.^ 01 know, your 
answer ; 

What did you tell him? 
Queen. There you are again, sir. 

Questioning me just as yoif did before, 

Now stop, before you get to be a bore. 

You know a lady always should conceal 

The woes of one who at her feet do'st kneel. 
Sir Naed. [^Seeing the poiiit.} O ho, j'ou won't tell me ? then 
111 tell you, 

And all I tell you now, I''l swear is true. 

This nice young man, [Aside.] I've mentioned that before, 

[Aloud] You simply liked him as a friend, No more, 

1 see another, quite a different face. 
And that '11 be another sort of case. 

Queen, Who is it? Tell me, is he dark or fair? 
Sir Naed. He's light. Now look and see if you see him. 
Queen. ILooking off.] Where? 

Sir Naed. He wears a knightly armour, much like this, 

And how he longs to greet you with a kiss, 

[Appropriate by-play. 
Queen. A knightly kiss. Of course I'd tell him nay. 

[Aside.] But then, I think Td like one every day. 
Sir Naed. He'll be here soon, and tell you ail himself, 

And I know what you'll say, you little elf. 
Queen. And if I love him — 

Sir Naed. [Earnestly.] As I hope you wilL 

Queen. I'm destined to reuiain a maiden still. 
Sir Naed. O, why these cruel words? They are not true? 
Quten. [Sadly.] They are, alas! [Changing.] But never 
mind. Will you 

Do me a favor? 
Sir Naed. Yes, but tell me first 

The story; for I— I must know the worst. 
Queen. Particularly interested, ar'nt you? 
Sir Naed. The man's my nearest friend. O, tell me, ^an't you. 



18 GAME OF CHESS. 

His form is just like mine, and in his face 

The features here j'ou see, you'd quickly trace. 

His o:ait, his action, manners, all combined. 

In me. the very counterpart you'll find. 

O tell me, '' Queen of Hearts." [She hides her face with her 

fan at this compliment.'\ Don't raise your fan ; 
{Drops on one knee.'] My bird, I love you, and I am that man 1 

\_Voices without. Queen runs off. u. F., as enter l. u. E., 
POLLIO. Tardo and 8iii Pardolph. 
Tardo. Hallo! Is this the way he takes his ease? 

What is he doiu": there upon his knees? [Sir N. rises. 
Pollio. Why. that's an easy way of getting cold. 
Tardo. You don't say so? 

Pollio. Yes, So I have been told. 

SirPard. {To Sir Xaed.] Why, man, you're trembling like a 
leaf. Trouble up? 
Speak out. You twir/? And let your tears bubble up. 
Confined they won't be. Is'nt that quite true? 
Sir Naed. O I can find no sympathy with you. 
Pollio and Tardo. Within this breast, O, sick and suffering 
brother. 
You'll find the tender feelings of a mother, 
We minister to many minds diseased. 
Pollio. Directly after dinner. 
Tardo. When appeased 

Our appetites become. 
Pollio. Tell us your woes. 

[Aside.] We'll witness now his agonizing throes. 
Sir Pard. He's been proposing. That was the posish— 

By looks of things she didn't grant his wish. 
Sir Naed. O gentlemen, your cruel jests have been 

Against the roval person of your Queen. 
Tardo. O murder! [General Confusion., 

Sir Pard. [To Pollio . falling in his arms.] Support me. 
Pollio. [Letting him down.] I'm very weak. 

I can't. 
Tardo. And I'm so scared that I can't speak. 

Sir Pard. ( ^^ VVe very, 

a I very 

>- humbly 

c beo" 

Sir Pard. -{ ^ } your pardon. 

~ And hope 

towards us 

your feelings 



Tardp. 
Pollio. 
Tardo. 



Pollio. 
Sir Pard. 
Tardo. 



Sir Pard. t ' J will not harden. 



GAME OF CHESS. 19 

Sir Naed. Enough, my friends, there's nothino: now to frighten 

you. 
Pollio. [To Sir Naed."] You're in the dark, perhaps, and we'll 
enlignten you. 

I'll ask a single question, then proceed. 

Is't our Queen's hand you seek? 
Sir Naed. [After some hesitation.'] It is. 
Tardo. [Looking at each other.] Indeed ! 

Sir Pard. [//i surprise, speaking together.'] You heed I 

Pollio. Know then, that she can never married be; 

She single stays. It is the King's decree. 

He doesn't care to lose his crown, you see. 

Makes her his slave by keeping her thus/ree 

It is his will. Of course she must obey. 

\_Aside.'] If he swallows that. I'll calf for my back pay. 
Sir Naed. She has an equal right with him? 
Pollio. I know. 

Sir Naed. Then hasn't she a right to have a beau? 
Pollio. And see him vanish into their air oh. 

Dear, no, the King would quickly take his life 

Or her's. 
Sir Naed. Or her's ? 

Pollio. She'll never be a wife. 

[Sir Naedham imlks r. The others cluster together, L. and consult.'] 
Sir Naed. There is some trickery and meanness here, 

Won't let her marry? That is very queer 

Subjection by her peer ! It's usurpation ! 

It's a disgrace, a stain upon the nation. 

I love the maid, aye. better than my life, 

I'll make her free, and she shall be my wife. 

[ The others come forward. 
Pollio. To soothe your wounded heart, we would suggest 

Another plan. Perhaps you'll think it best. 

There is the Countess Naada. She's as fair 

As any one that you'll find anywhere. 
Sir Pard. Aristocratic, very. 
Sir Naed. That is true, 

But then her age. 
Tardo. She's only forty-two ! 

Male Quartette. Music composed expressly for this piece by 
Bobert Bonner.^ Esq. [ Without accompaniment.] 

We know a little beauty. 

A countess and a belle, 
A maiden fair, with jetty hair. 

Whose age 'twere hard to tell. 



20 



GAME OF CHESS. 



3 Voices. 



1st Tenor. 

3 Voices. 
1st Tenor. 
3 Voices. 
3 Voices. 



O, you would never guess it, 

For everybody tries. 
Just twice a year, without ii fear, 

She regularly dies. 

All covered are her wrinkles. 

Enameling beneath. 
Her lips so red, are quite as false 

As all her pearly teeth. 
This is a portion only 

Of all her little arts, 
If you're close by, and seem to pry, 

Just notice how she starts. 

r We'll let you in the secret 
j Knowni only to us few. 

This maiden fair, with jetty hair, 
t Is only forty-two. 
( To such they recommend me, 
J It makes me rather blue, 
j A maiden fair, with jetty hair, 
[ And only fortj^-two. 

Then your attentions turn to her. 
I do not think she'll do ; 

Keep up your fortitude my boy. 
She's only forty-two. 

End of Act First. 



ACT II. 

SCENE l.—A room in King Soiepcevick's palace. Table emd 
four chairs, r. 

Enter c. D. MORTALANDO and Nebusco, carrying baskets of 
food and wine. They seat themselves at the table. Enter 
POLLio and Tardo, who are welcomed and seated also. 
Mort. A little time to ourselves now we'll have. 
It is a thing that even Bishops crave. 

[They arrange dishes, glass, (fcc, on the table.] 

Here is good health to all, [Holds up glass.] 

Companions bold. [ They drink. 



GAME OF CHESS. 21 

Tardo. A song. 

Neb. Polly sings us the " Monks of Old." 

Song. Pollio. The Monks of Old. [ With the original words, 
chorus at end of each verse, after which Pollio comes down.} 

Pollio. Well, *•• here we are again " as you perceive. 

Sir Naedham loves Maria. I do believe. 

If she loves him, as possibly she may, 

I'll have to change my tactics right away. 

I've noticed some of late, that there's not been 

Congenial feelings 'twixtour Knight and Queen; 

But does she love Sir Gryve? Aye. there's the rub, 

I hardly think she does. ' She calls him " bub," 

And plays with him as if he were a toy. 

Or nothing more important than a boy. 

Now if she were to marry, don't you see 

The King would have to abdicate. But he 

Is young and just ascended to the throne. 

He's not much willing to give up his own. 

At least for her — he doesn't see the point, 

But if I get the chance then out of joint 

His nose shall go. I'll use my little wiles 

Here, [putting his hand on his hearts'] 

I am black, but here, [pointing to his face,] 
I'm always smiles. 

I want the throne myself— I would be King, 

Build new hotels and all that sort of thing, 

[A knock is heard,] 

When once upon that throne I'd banish fear. 

But how I'm going to get there's not so clear, 

O well, I'll watch and wait and be discreet 

Something will t^iiii up or I shall be beat. 

[Knocking heard again.] 

Somebody knocks, 'twont catch them napping. [Pointing 
over his shoulder to the other Bishops who have been put- 
ting away their bottles, (fee, in haste.] 

[Knocking.] Hear it? 

A rap will set them (w)rapping up their spirit. 

[MORTALANDO and Nebusco loith their baskets run off, R., acci- 
dentally hitting Pollio.] 

They're spiritualists as j^ou can see, 

For they can't go past without Joslin me. 

[Tardo comes down and takes Pollio's arm.] 



22 GAME OF CHESS. 

Tarclo. Let's go before we're caught. 

Caught, O dear ! 

\_Exit, L. 

Enter c. d. a White Pawn. 

Pawn, No one answered my knock. [Looking round.] 

There's no one here. [Exit. 

Enter all, except Castles, arm in arm, colors sandwiched,, first the 
Pawns, then the Knights, then the Bishops, and lastly the 
Kings and Queens, all except Host and Hostess, r., they l. 

King S. Kind friends, we bid ,you welcome to our palace. 
We're neighboring clans and should live free from malice. 
From envy spite, and other jealous feelings, 
Our clanlj^ love should be shown in our dealings. 
And so for this I've brought you here together, 
To roam about and wear out j^our shoe leather. 
To eat and drink, to laugh and take 3'our ease. 
And to be just as merry as you please. 
Stroll from the wine vault up into the dome. 
Where'er you go, pray make yourselves at home. 

Duet— KixG^SciEPCEViCK and Queen Clienta. 

Music — " Nay., bid me not.'''' — Don Giovanni, 

King. Pray, make yourselves at home, then. 

While with us you do stay ; 

And kindly us remember 

When you have gone away. 
Queen, Give up all care and sorrow, 

Be happy while you may 

Let all be bright and merry 

On this our gala-day, 

On this our gala-day. 
King. The time we will pass gaily. 
Queen. We will promenade each day. 
King, Up and down Westminster street. 
Queen, Or ride in that '' one boss shay," 

Or ride in that •' one boss shay." 
King, Here then, here then. 

Pray make yourself at home, do. 
Queen. While with us you do stay. 
King. Of course you'll not regret 
Queen. Having a holiday. 
King. So make yourselves at home, then, 
Queen. While with us you do stay. 



GAME OF CHESS. 23 

King. { The time will we pass ofaily. 
Queen, j We will promenade each day, 
King. j-Up and down Westminster Street, 
Queen. (^Or ride in that *' one hoss shay." 
King. Now this is our . " 

Queen. Proo:ramme. 

C Yes, clan and clan uniting. 
Both. < We will allow no tiohting-, 

( But live in joy and peace. 
King. Come, friends. 

Queen. Yes, friends, our friends. 

King. Our friends. 

Chorus. Yes, clan and clan, &c. 

All except Kings and Queens, Sir Naedham, Pollio and Sir 
Gryve exeunt, CD. 

King G. [Stepping down to footlights. 1 Allow me to observe, 
now no one's round, 
A harder man than I am can't be found. 
When I ride out I drive a handsome span, 

As or any other man. 

I wear good clothes but never pay my bflls, 

I sponge the cloth and that my conscience stills. 

Go out of town on Sundays for a spree, 

With other people's mone}' making free. 

One daj last week I met a little boy, 

In Feftiherbed Lane, and he did me annoy, 

Bj^ sitting down and begging for a story. 

I stabbed liim, and thus made an alley gory. 

I don't like boys. I don't like anything 

But self and power. Well, happily I'm King; 

My supreme right there's no one to dispute, 

Except the one I keep down with my boot. [Clienta sits, L. 

Comic Song— King Gnottobougm. Music— " He Vowed He 
Never Would Leave 3/e." 

Yes, I know I'm a very bad man ; 

In a horn, you will mourn. 
When I tell you as plain as I can. 

They all wish I had never been born. 
I am noted for conduct severe, 

And I grow, as 1 know. 
Decidedly worse every year. 

Over which I am happy to crow. 



24 GA^fE OF CHESS, 

But I set all the world at defiance. 
On my Bi«hop I place my reliance. 
Tudlecome. tucUecome. tutllecome, 
Tudlecame, tudlecome. tudlecome, tay. 

Now ray sister, Maria^ the tit, 

Has a beau, that is so. 
But then, if I a marriage permit, 

Rit^ht off of my throne must I go. 
But I'm not such a fool as to do 

All of that, for the brat. 
I have no tender feelings, it's true. 
For I am not that kind of a cat. 
So I set, &c. 
[Omit Tudlecome.'} 
Sir N. Mark me. I'll hinder you. 
Gryve. I'll get the wind of you. 
Maria. Do not be cruel I pray. 

King G. [Turning.'^ Thank you, you helped me out on the 
last line. 

Now p'raps you'll help me to a glass of wine, [ Waits.'] 

No wine. No\v why in the deuce do they refuse, eh? 

I wouldn't take enough to make me boosy, 

But just a little for my stomach's sake 

Of S— T— 1860— X, by DraTce" 

So bitter seems the world to me of late * 

Feel half inclined myself to take a mate ; 

I'll walk around a bit. Try to discover 

If some fair damsel does not want a lover. , 

[ Circulates himself. 
King S. [To his wife.'] My dear, [She being a little deaf does 
not at first hear him ; he raises his voice.] 

I wish that you were not that way. 
Clienta. Can't help it, love, what were you going to say? 
King S. I must absent myself. 
Clienta. O, please don't go. 

For when you're gone I am so lonesome. 
King. Pshaw ! 

I'll soon be back, I'm only going to pin a 

Little notice up about the dinner. 

Excuse me, friends, I merely wish to say 

Our dinner hour Is six o'clock each day. 

The dining room is just across the hall. 

And plenty large enough to seat you all. 

I'm going to leave you now in my wife's care. 

When the gong sounds I hope you'll all be there. [Exit, L. 



GAME UF CHESSv 25 

POLLIO nnd Sir Gryve r», the others L» 
Gf^ve, O my, I feel so '' full of light and love," 

I'm hungry too, about this time, by Jove 

I'm always happy when I hear the dinner bell. 

[To Pollio^ poking him in tfie rib^.} And quite a$ much as 
you, old sinner. 
Pollio. WelK 

Gryve, I never get up hungry. 
Pollio. That is right. 

Gryve. You often get up with a happy tight. 
Clienta, [To Maria.'^ Why. what a handsome man your 
brother is, 

I think I never saw so fine a phiz. 

[Sir Naedham and Maria wnlk tip. 
King G. [Approaching her.] You^«rter me. 
Clienta. \ To King G.} A little louder, please. 
King G. 0. I perceive. I'll talk in shaipev kej^s. 
Clienta. [Drops fan.] Now that was purely accidental. 
King G. {Makes a bungle in p)icking it up.] Yes? 

Clienta. [Aside.] Not natuinl for him to stoop, I guess. 
King G. Ah. may I write a line, here is a space. 
Pollio. That's slightly out of character^ your grace. 
King G. [Savagely.'] No teaching, sir, of yours I want just 

now. 
Pollio. I wish he'd hold his tongue., I fear a row. 
Gryve. O my, '•• give us a resf." [King tvrites on fan. 

Pollio. [To Gryve.] I will, with pleasure, 

What will you have it in— a hushel measure? 
King G. [Handing back fan.] I nad no time to do it very neat, 

Nor much to say, but couldn't go offbeat. 
Clienta. [After reading.] A noble sentiment, my hand in token, 

[Offers hand.] That friejidship 'twixt our clans may ne'er 
be broken. 
King G. O what a plump, soft hand, I'd often make 

A lengthy run to dwell on such a shake. 
Pollio. These jokes on music are too dry, by far, 

The^^ make me want to see the double bar. 
Clienta. What is the time ? 
King G. It lacks of five, a quarter. 

[She does not hear him and he repeats louder. 
Clienta. O, I heard that. 

King G. Well, I should think you ought'er. 

Clienta. Well, then, we've time to take a little jaunt, 

[Bising.] We'll walk around the gardens. 
King G. [Aside.] O, I can't, 

I must make some excuse. What shall I say? 

Such yelling will bring on diptheri-a. 



t 

26 GAME OF CHESS. 

[To Clwnta."] I'd like to go but I'm not very strong, 
Suppose instead, I sing a little song. [Queen hows assent. 

Song — King Gnottobougm— ilfwsic— '' Looking Back.''' 

Two years ago my father died ; 
_ To me he left his lands and crown, 
I'm now possessed of acres wide. 

Power, honor and renown. 
And long before he died did I 

In secret long his crown to wear, 
^And often thought I'd lil<e to try' 

That life in which I saw no care. 
Looking back to childhood days 

A pleasant scene before me lays, 
Now my* life, I'm free to say. 

Is full of trouble every day. 

Now, dear young friends, take ray advice. 

For T have once been '* through the mill,'' 
Before you wish or speak think twice, 

And never try your time tokill. 
Improve each hour — let well enough 

Alone, and keep your conscience clear. 
I hope you all won't be as tough 

As I have been this many a year. 
Looking back, &c. . . 

[During the song Sir Gkyve casts longing glances at Queen 
^ Maria and Qtt^mjJtsJo go to her, but is held back each time 

feyPOLLIO.] 

Clienta. That's charming. ' Let us go and find the King, 
He ought to know how riicelj^ you can sing. 

[Exit with King G. l. f. 

Continued hy-play by Sir Gryve and Pollio, they finally exit 
R. 3d. Sir Naedham and Maria come down."} 

Sir. N. Dear Queen, have I been too presumptive ; say 
But one word, you'll change this knight to-day. 
Dispel the clouds that lurk around my brow, 
Make bright my life, much brighter than 'tis now. 
O, touch the tender chord within my breast, 
By those sweet magic words, the dearest, best. 
I know I'm but a Knight, it's very true. 
But really, I cannot help loving you. 

[Sir Gryve opens door in flat and looks in. 



GAME OF CHESS. 27 

Queen. Sir Naedham, my brother's selfish trait 

Has seemed more terrible of late, 

Than e'er it has before. I do not think 

The last few nights I've slept a single wink. 

I've been thinking of 

Sir N. Well, 

Queen. Of — 

iSir iV. What— of me. 

[Folding her in his arms.] O precious dove ! 
Queen. [After a moment.^ Can anybody see. 
Sir N. O, no, we are alone. I'll guarantee. 
Queen. O, if he should come in and catcli us here, 

How I should tremble. 'Tis his wrath I fear. 

This is his very sorest point. \Exit Gkyve.] What's that? 

I thought I heard a step. 
Sir N. [Loolzs.] Only the cat. 

And I have not made quite so bad a guess; 

I thought you loved me ; [tenderly-^] don't you, darling? 
Queen. [Softly and very shy.] " Yes. 

Sir N. I'll find a way and we will married be, 

In spite of him. and his unjust decree. 
Queen. My life he's threatened if I dare accept 

An off"er. Forms have chased me if I slept. 

That seemed like hideous creatures from below ; 

And all becanse he's raved and threatened so. 

I never cared for Gryve, although he's been 

A good and fiuthful Knight unto his Queen. 

And if mj^ brother's threats then moved me thus, 

Whjs now they'll make me feel a great deal worse. 
Sir N. Cheer up/my pet ; I'm sure the time will come, 

When you and I will share a common home. 

We'll put our trust in Providence, and fate 

Will surely guide us to that happy state 

Of matrimony. Why, it's nearly six, 

And time for dinner. 
j^iieen. [Hurriedly., in alarm.] Let mie go and fix 

My hair. Oh, quick; say, is it coming down. 

Does it looked ruffled? [Putting hands to her head.] 
Sir N. {sTo, saved by your crown, 

And now before we go, Maria, dear. 

Say once again thou lovest me. 
Queen. What here? 

Duet — Sir Naedham and Maria Mtisic — '•''Tell me Again.^'' — 

Pasquale. 
Say once again thou lovest me. 
Say that thou wilt be mine ; 



28 GAME OF CHESS. 

My heart beats only love for thee, 

I worship at thy shrine. 
We will deceive the Kin t( to-day 

And our proceedings he'll not stay. IJExU. 



SCENE II.— The Banquet Hall. 

Enter several White Paavns with table, tablecloths^ dishes, &c. 
They set the table. Gong sounds. Enter all except SiR 
Gryvk and the Castles. 

Grand Chorus. Music. — ''Heaven to You.'''' — Martha. 

We will all sit down to dinner, 
We'll do honor to our host. 
To the viands we'll do justice 
And we'll drink to every toast. 

All sit except the Pawns, who wait on the others. Queen Maria 
at the right corner. Any impromptu conversation that may 
suggest itself can be indulged in here., for a short time. 

Enter Sir Gryve, r, very forlorn, pulls at Queen Maria's 
dress. She turns and motions him to a seat at the table, which 
he declines — he sinks on his knees at her side. 

Duet— Sir Gryve and Maria. Music— '^ Maid of Athens.'^ 

Sir Gryve. Maid of chess, why need we part? 
Take, O take me to thy heart, 
Love, O love me just a mite 
Make me not a cloudy Knight. 
Hear my woe. 
Queen. O, go 'long. 

Gryve. Hear my woe ; 
Queen. Now do go 'long. 

Gryve. My dearest Queen, I love you, 

O let my pleadings move you ; 
Hear my prayer, O maiden fair, 
And drive me not away. 

Ever since you were a child 

You I've loved, but put it mild ; 
Had I known this match was brewing 

I'd have sold myself for blueing. 
Hear my woe, &c. [Change without interlude to 



GAME OF CHESS. 29 

Aria— Maria. Music— ^'My Dear Little Hubby ^'' — Pasquale. 

My dear little Knio^hty, 

Now don't be so flighty. 

Be patient, forg-iving and think of your ma; 

I'll give you a cookie 

And a nice picture booky 

And take you to ride in an Olneyville car. 

[Laughter among the guests. 
King S. [To King G.'\ My dear fellow, that is too good. 

Speaking of jokes, have you seen my jesters? 
King G. No, but I'd ji<si as leave. I 

King S. [Aside.J Another, he's an inveterate punster. [Aloud,'] 
Well you shall see them and hear them. too. ^ / i • 

King G. Good. I have not the slightest objection to being 
amused. , , 

It promotes digestion. 
King S. [To Pawn.] Naperto. 
N'ap. Hear, Your Majesty. 
King S. Naperto, call in my jesters, and tell them we are in a 

humor to be entertained. 
Nap. Yes; Your Majesty. [Exit C. 

King S. These are the most comical fellows in the world. 
King G. Descendants of Yoric. I suppose? 
King S. Well, yes, I suppose they are. Most probably the con- 
nection is a little distant, though. But here they come; 
you shall judge for yourself. 

Enter Naperto icith the Castles. [Comic business.] 
King G. [Hising.] Jesters, indeed, why these are castles. 
King S. They are, the original and veritable air castles, that 
everybody has helped to build. You included, I take it? 
King G. To my sorrow, yes. [Sits. 

Nap. [Calling off.] Ten paces forward, advance ! 

1st Castle steps to front of stage^ each following in turn as 
orders are given. They drop their windows and call the roll. 

Male Quartette— Castles. Music—'' Sneezing Catch.^^ — 
Paxton. 

If hungry my nose, why not give it some ease. 
Your box for a pinch ; just a pinch if you please ; 
For believe me, 'tis pain and a pleasure to sneeze. 
[Castles back.} 

Harmonized Chorus — "/'c? Choose to be a Daisy, ^^ and ''Skida- 
, ,. malink.'''' 



30 



GAME OF CHESS. 



Neb u SCO at Rr 

' O dear, what is this feelino^, 
So softly o'er me stealing-? 
Entrancing music pealing, 
My senses ravished are. 
Couid it have been the sherry 
So quickly made me merry. 
And turned me jolly, very, 
And so peculiar. 

Sir Pardolph at l. 

O here and there, and everywhere around this little nation, 
We'll stroll about where'er we like, we'll have no hesita- 
tion. 
A week of fan. without a dun, must be a nice sensation ; 
No washerwoman hanging round with small vituperation. 
And if we see a pretty girl who wants a iAj flirtation. 
Why backward we will never be, we'll have desoculation. 
And should we fondly of it grow by much ingemination, 
We'll call our friends around to celebrate our adunation. 

Chorus, all down, v. 

Red. O here and there. &c. 
White. O dear, what is this, &c. 

Dance and colored lights. 

End of Act Second. 



ACTIII. 

Scene I. — A drawing room in the Palace. Pollio discovered at 
a table L. writing. Eveiiing. 

Pollio. The die is cast. It's all up with our Queen. 
I'm old— that I confess, but I'm not green, 
I have not got glass eyes. My sight's not dim, 
And so I see that youngr lass sighs for him. 
The case stands thus : That if the Queen should marry, 
The King no longer on his throne would tarry, 



OAME OF CHESS. 31 

His steppinc^ " down and out" would please me much, 
For then 1 seem to see within my chitch 
The throne on which I long to sit. But why? 
The Queen's still left that throne to occupy. 

IFolds up his papers^ leaving one on the tahle^ rises and walks 
slowly out^ c. D. in meditation,'] 

\_E7iter King Sciepcevick. he sits at table in a petulant mood. 
Soon after enter Clienta. 

Clienta. O here you are. Why, I've been looking for you 

everywhere. 
King S. lAbstractedly.'\ You have. 
Clienta. Just now I saw you 

Come here. You see I quickly followed you. 
And left them all. You're looking ill. 
King. [ With Emphasis.'] I'm blue. 

Discouraged. I'm disgusted with the cheek 

That's been displayed here during the past week. 

There's nothing safe from that King's ruthless hand; 

He struts about as if he owned the land. 

No less than forty pheasants he has shot. 

And threatened to annihilate the lot. 

He's frightened all the pigeons from the cotes, 

And fed the lion several times with jroats. 

He culls the flowers for button hole bouquets. 

In quantities to suit. I've seen him raise 

An inoffensive rabbit by the ears, 

\^With emotion.] And pinch him till his little eyes were 
filled with tears. [^Clienta conceals her emotion behind 
a handkerchief.] 

But he is not much worse than all his band, 

For they on little ceremony stand. 

Examples set, they do not hesitate, 

To follow them, and I must say, I hate 

To speak about these things in public, so 

I meekly swallow all. I think I'll go 

And punch somebody's head. 
Clienta. O please don't pout, 

It don't improve you, dear. 
King. \_Snappishlii .] Go waj% get out ! 

Clienta. Why. my dear Sciepcevick ; I'm thunderstruck ; 

[Handkerchief again."] 
King. I did not mean to be so cross, my duck, 

IWith increasing voice to end of line.] 



3^2 GAME OF CHESS. 

But I'm provoked, enraged, diso^usted, mad, 

For o^uests to act this way is quite too bad. 
Clienta. Well, if you speak that way, I shall be blue. 

[Handkerchief. 
King. I beg your pardon, dearest, but this stew 

I'm in has made my blood just boil. My dear, 

Come sing me something, and my spirits cheer. 

[ The Queen matj here introduce any song in which she will be 
most likely to do herself justice. Ji 

King. Ah ! many thanks, already I feel better. 

You see you're always making me your debtor; 

Your voice and presence influence me so, 

I very soon forget my care and woe. [ Voices hear^ without.'] 

[Enter., one after the other., and falling on their knees at KING 
SciEPCEViCK's feet^ the Ked Pavtns,] 

\st Pawn. Protection, O your Grace, extend to us. 

Save us ! 
2d Pawn. O save us from this awful muss! 
King S. Well, what is this? What is the matter now? 
M Paim. O. sir, our King is raising such a row. 
Uh Pawn. He's striking right and left, no matter where, 

For age nor sex, he doesn't have a care, 

Just now he knocked me down. 
hth Pawn. And me. 

Qth Pawn. And me. 

1th Pawn. He's getting just as bad as he can be. 
^th Pawn. I never saw him as he is to-day. 

Enter c. D. King Gnottobougm. 

King G. What's this? Get up. [Striking at a Pawn. 

1st Pawn. O don't, my lord, I pray. 

King G. Get up now, every one of you, you hear? 
'Tis I your master am. You'd best revere 
The man to whom you look for bread and cheese, 
Or I will send you all where you won't freeze. 

King 8. [Bising.'] My Lord — [Pawns rise. 

King G. Shut up, and don't you interfere. 

King S. [Asidel That's good to begin with. 

King G. [ To King /S.] Now just see here, 

I rule this band myself, you intermeddling lout. 

King S. [Aside.'\ As I'm of no account I might as well step 
out. [Exit with Clienta, l, 3d. 

King G. Where's my Bishop? His hide I'll have to tan. 



GAME OF CHESS. 33 

Enter Pollio. r. 3d. 

Pollio. Here I am, sir. You see the '• coming man." 
King G. You'll give these men the lash for disobeying 

My orders. [3d Pawn takes from table the paper accident- 
ally left by Pollio.] 
Pollio. Well, sir, would you mind conveying 

The number, sir. of blows for each? Your wish shall 
Be carried out by the proper official. 
King G. As they've always been accustomed to plenty, 

Just march 'em out and treat 'em each to twenty. 
Pollio. If they've offended you — been very naughty. 

That isn't half enough, say, make it forty. 
King G. [Savagely.'] Do as I bid. Attend you to ray wish, 

[Shaking fist in his face.] 
Or I will upset your kettle offish. [Exit, r, f. 

[Pollio cringes and bows loio. 
Pollio. [Looks at Pawns.'} It strikes me I've a lengthy job be- 
fore me, 
[Looks.] I hope they won't get mad and try to floor me. 
[Produces bottle.] Well, here is luck. [Drinks.] 

I need a little bracing, 
If I have got to give them all a lacing. 

[As he recorks bottle and puts it away.] 
Come here, you vagabonds, I say. Fall In ! 

[ They get into line. 
[Sir Pardolph and Gryve are about to enter c. d. they pause.] 

Sto^! 
Now keep so^still that I can hear a gum drop. 
You're ordered twenty lashes on your backs 
For being caught in several wicked acts. 
Exactly what, I'm not prepared to state. 
They've been 60 very numerous of late. 
But that's enough for you, so forward, paddle! 

[Gets nearly off r. f. and turning, finds no one has moved.l 
Why don't you come along? See here, now, sad'll , 
Be your circumstances if j'^ou wait 
I'll give you all a double dose, you great — 
1st Pawn. [In a tone of command, interrupting him.'] We*ve 
heard enough of this and we won't stand It. 

i[SiR Pardolph and Gryve unperceived com& down to, bacJt of 

Pawns. R.] 

Be off, or we'll rebel ! [Pollio comes hack to Pawns-, with 

a very menacing air, discovers Gryve and Sir PardOiILPH, 

who intimate to him in pantomime that he had £test retire, 

r-rrhe suddculy changes tone and manner.] 



34 GAME OF CHESS. 

Pollio. ITo Pawns.'] If you command it. {Exit, R. F. 

Sir Pard. [^Coming forward.'] Pawns, I am going to make a 

proposition. 
1st Pawn. Name it. \_The others cluster around him.'] 

Sir Pard. That you sliall change your sad condition. 

Gryve. O my ! 

2d Pvwn. I wish we could. 

Sir Pard. I'll tell you how. 

[Mystenously.] Meet me at twelve o'clock — 
3d Pawn. O tell us now. 

Sir Pard. [The same.] No one must hear. 

{Looks cautiously around. 
1st Pawn. [The same.] No one. 

Sir Pard. {In a loud whisper.] Dethrone our King I {Chord. 
4th Pawn. Whoever heard of such a wicked thing? 
Sir Pard. Aside from all he's done to us, you know, 

We must not see him treat his sister so. 
Pawns, {Shout.] Long live the Queen ! 
Sir Pard. Yes, she's indeed our friend ; 

Why shall we not to her deliverance send? 
Pawns. We will. 
Sir Pard. Then all of you meet in an hour 

Down in the cellar, underneath the tower 

Of the left wing. 
1st Pavm. No one can hear us there. 

Sir Pardo. In secret we'll this dreadful deed prepare, 
M Pawn. {Handing the paper to Sir Pahdolph.] 

Just look at that I 
Sir Pard. {Looking at it.] Ha ! ha ! by Pollio signed, 

Why, where did you this open letter find? 
M Pawn. 'Twas lying on the table. 
Sir Pard. I will read it ; 

If it concerns the church, of course we need it. 

{Reading.] Dear Commodore. {Looking up.] Why, it's to 
Henry C. ; 

[Reading.'\ You'll be surprised, perhaps, to hear from me, 
As I am getting old and rather gray, 
But I shall die a King. 1 hope and pray. 

{Looking up.] And I'm aching to get that knave at bay.v 

[Reading.] I've got a little plan in preparation, 
And if it works, 'twill much improve my station. 
Young GXOTTOBOUGM, my friend, I really thmk, 
Is standing very close upon the brink 
Of a precipice ; and he'll soon go over, 
When I shall wear his crown and roll in clover. 
If I can only fix the Queen to suit me. 
And no one else here rises up to boot me. 



GAME OF CHESS. 35 

IFolding it.} A pretty piece of business, I declare. 

I'll show it to him. 
1st Pawn. Won't it make him stare. 

2d Pawn. Let's take him in our plot. 
Sir Pari. A good idea. 

He would'nt dare refuse. 
M Pawn. Get him to steer 

The job. 
Sir Pard. Hush ! this we must a secret keep ; 

[Bell strikes twelve.'] 

Now towards the rendezvous in silence creep. lExeunt. r. f. 

Enter c. d. the Kings and Queens. 

King S. 'Tis midnight now; King and Queen of the red; 

The time our household 

King G. Say it. 

King 8. Go to bed. 

Quartette— Kings and Queens. Music— ^^ Good Night,''''— 

Martha. 
Oueen M. Midnight bell. 
Queen C. Midnight bell. 

King S. Midnight bell. 

All. Midnight bell. 

King S. Good night, most royal party, 

You have had your evening bite. 

Ah ! pray see no sprites nor goblins 

In your slumbers. Good night. 
Clienta. You will find the servants waiting 

In the left wing — no, the right. 

Call on them for aught you're wanting, 

Wish you happy dreams. Good night. 
King G. Good night, yes, good night, good night. 

Where's my light ? where' s my light ? 

Say, Maria, have you got some matches? 

[To Maria.] Come, be starting. [To host and hostess. 1 Good 
night, good night. 
King S. The stars shall all watch over thee, 

And the moon shall lend her light ; 

May'st thou sleep well. Good night. lSce7ie closed in. 

SCENE II. — Enter Pollio, l. f. Fumbling about his clothing. 

Pollio. Where did I put that letter? It is funny, 
I wouldn't lose that for a crowd of money, 
I wonder where it is. \^Still searching. 



3G^ GAME OF CHESS. 

Enter Sm Pardolph, r. f. 
Sir Pard. Hallo I there, Bishop I 

Lost something? 
Pollio. [Hesitating. '\ Yes — a — no. 

Sir Pard. Better throw your wish up. 

Pollio. What wish? 

Sir Pard. What wish? the wish to be our King. 

Pollio. Why, man, I never dreamed of such a thing. 
Sir Pard. Perhaps you didn't, but look there and see 

[Handing paper.] The proof of your intended villiany 1 
Pollio. My letter ! O I'm dished, I'm done, I weaken. 

Bright hope no longer shines within my beacon. 

Bury me on the hill-side very deep, 

The bottom's all knocked out. [Blubbers. 

Sir Pard. You needn't weep. 

You may die a King yet. 
Pollio. The prospect's poor. 

Sir Pard. "Well, as to that, I am not quite so sure. 
Pollio. Don't tantalize me, now I'm in your power. 
Sir Pard. I do not mean to. [Goes up to him; soft music] 

Look, within the hour, 

Our clan as mutineers together meet. 

To oust our cruel King. 
Pollio. Eh? 

Sir Pard. Then his seat 

[Significantly.'] "Will be vacant. 
Pollio. [Becoming interested.'] The Queen, however, stays ; 

No getting rid of her. 
Sir Pard. [ With a knowing nod.] We have our ways. 

We are the power behind the throne. 
Pollio. [Thinking.] Chess so. 

Sir Pard. Come down and talk it over. 
Pollio. [IVith returning hope.] It's a go I [Fxeunt R.F. 

SCENE III. — The conspirators in the cellar. — " Summer 
Night. '^ — Pasquale— played piano in orchestra. The Red 
Pawns scattered about the stage asleep. TJiey snore an 
accompaniment. SiR Gryve C. on an old tub. Stage dark. 

Sir Gryve. [Gaping.] O, my! it's time that Sir Pardolph 

came back. 
1st Pawn. R. I guess I'll take a little smoke. Say, Jack, 

[Beaching out to him.] 

Wake up. It's so dark I can't see to light 

My pipe. Got a match? 
2d Pawn. [Handing it.] Here. [Two raps on door r. C. 

1st Pawn. [Bising.l Two raps. All right. 



GAME OF CHESS. 37 

lEnter Sir Pardolph and Pollio r. C. Pollio takes a 
survey of the room R. c. while Sir Pardolph goes l. c. 
All wake up and centre around him.] 

Sir Pard. [In a loud whisper.^ The bird is cached. The plot 

we'll now unfold ; IDumb show.] 

Pollio. It's damp unpleasant here, I shall catch cold. 

What a queer room it is. [Shivers.] O there's a crack, 
'Twill send the rheumatiz all down my back. 
I'll slip down on this floor. Just see the mould. 
The slippers that you buy are seldom soled. 
As heavy as I'd like to have them quite, 
For such a place as this they're much too light. 
I wish I hadn't come. 'Twill make me ill. 
Sir Pard. [Coming down R.] Bishop, this night, our King, 

sir, you must kill. 
Pollio. I'm struck with awe I [Gryve comes down r. and slaps 
him on the shoulder.] Or something else. 
[Sir Pardolph slaps him on the left shoulder.] 

Creation ! 
This is a very striking situation. 
Sir Pard. [Holding him.] This night he dies. 
Pollio. [Looking from one to the other.] Which knight? It 
seems there's two. 
[Struggling.] Release me long enough I'll settle both of 

you. 
You didn't mention murder. 
Sir Pard. Well, we've changed our mind. 

The other plan won't do so well, we find, 
'Tis but a moment's work — a knife you jab in. [Elustrating , 
Pollio. And I'm so unaccustomed, sir, to stabbin'. 
Gryve. But say, old coon, we'll go along to back yer. 
Sir Pard. And bar the doors so the police can't track yer, 

Now swear that you the King will make away with. 
Pollio. [ Throwing them off.] Be gone ! You've picked up the 
wrong tool to play with, 
I'll never use edged instruments in strife, 
And be hedged in behind the bars for life. 
Sir Pard. How long would you perform your task diurnal - 
If that [Producing paper.] was published in the Morning 
Journal? 
Pollio. [^Falling on his knees between them, voice trembling with 
emotion.] O dear sirs, if you'll only call this square 
And let me go. I want to take the air. 
Sir Pard. This letter is sufficient proof of guilt, 

Wilt do this job just as we bid? 
Pollio. [/» subjection.] I wilt. \^Bises»'\ 



38 GAME 01 CHES6 

I say, come hitherward, my little Pawn 

[3d Pawn goesi c him.] 

{Aside to him.] I want a cherrj'^ cobbler. Make it strong 

lExit Pawn.] 

[To Sir Pard,] But how about the Queen? Pm not a fool, 

When he is gone, she'll still be left to rule. 
Sir Pard. She don't amount to much — how could she stand 

Opposed by all the people in the land? 

When we a7'ise in all our power and show 

Her how we do dictate a raze.^ you know, 

You'll see how you arose. 
Pollio. Precisely so. 

Enter Pawn with cobbler, Pollio drinks. 

[Laughing and smacking his lips.] 

I'll engage quarters in some nice hotel 

To spend ''the season" at. I'll be a swell. 
Gryve. You can. 
Pollio. Promenade Fifth Avenue in style, 

And for this mitre, [ Taking it off.] 

Might /wear a tile? 
Sir Pard. You may. 
Pollio. Hurrah ! I shall be happy yet, 

Hang out a sign— Bishop's office to let. 

[Suddenly.] No, I won't, [to them] One thing more I've 
got to tell. 

You know the office I'm in now? 
Sir Pard. Yes. 

Pollio. Well, 

I don't want to give it up. 
Sir Pard. Want 'em both ? 

Gryve. Well, you're a greedy man, upon my oath. 
Pollio. I'll wear the crown you know, but I implore 

You'll let me boss the church as heretofore. 

I attend to other jobs some, you're aware. 

But principally, interest is there, [They hesitate.] 

'Twill save the bother of a new election. 
Sir Pard. Well, don't too often take up a collection, 

We're poor now, having but recovered lately 

From the panic by which we suffered greatly. 

[Pollio is jubilant. 
Pollio. I want another cobbler. [Pawn goes.] Not so fast, 

[In his ear.] I want this cobbler stronger than the last. 

[Exit Pawn. 



GAME OF CHESS. 39 

lAside.'\ I'm in their power and must do as they wish, 

Although I must confess this is a dish 

Not to my taste. I did not contemplate 

To Ivill the King and thus disorace the state 

And church as well. [Shakes hands with Sir Pard.] 

We are fast friends. 
Sir Pard. That's so. 

Pollio. Remember, too, that you are not to blow 

On me if I should fail to settle him forever. 
Sir Pard. We're in the same boat and we'll sink or swim 
together. [Pawn brings cobbler to Pollio, who drinks."] 

Chorus. Music— '^ Conspirators '^— Madam AngoU 

We are a band of conspirators. 

We are plotting now, much against the laws. 

But on one another we'll ne'er go back, 

In a body go, for the attack. 

Softly and silentlj^ creep we in, ^ 

Face covered up, all except the chin; 

Each one to act as he sees fit, 

And there our bloody crime o.ommit. 

[Pollio assumes command and marches the conspirators out^ R. 
C. military step.'} 

SCENE IV.— King Gnottobougm's bedchamber. The King's 
robes and crown discovered on a chair., l. Bed in Jlat with 
curtains drawn. Enter POLLio, R. F., with an immense 
wooden dagger, Sir Pardolph, Gryve and the Pawns /oZ- 
lowing. all masked. Stage dark. Introduction of chorus in 
orchestra. 

Pollio. Is this a dagger, jack-knife or a razor 
That I'm about to stick into our Kaiser? 
I have thee tight, and yet I see— [Looking round.'] 

How still it is 
Sir Pard. [Nervously.'] Don't falter now, come hurry up and 

do the biz. 
Pollio. Art thou not, brother conspirator, sensible 
To feeling that this thing is reprehensible? 
Or art thou like the city tax assessors 
Who always have their Webb in which to catch us? 
[At the bed.] I have thee yet. Lie still, O King, and snore. 

[King tosses."] 
While I this carver run to thy heart's core. 
5 



40 GAME OF CHESS. 

Ha! Ha! he stirs— he wakes— I see him move, 

[Moves a step away.'] 

[To audieiice.] Now if he were awake would he approve 
Of all this bloody busiuess? 
King. [In his sleep. "] Come. 

Pollio. Ohist! 

He's dreaming, may be. 
King. [In Ms sleep.'] Take a hand at whist? 

Pollio. [Starts and comes down.] A man don't play whist with 
his eyes both closed, 

And if they're open I am much opposed 

To stayino- here. I think I'd better go. 

[ To them.] I'm going to close the outside window. [Going. 
Sir Pard. [ShoH^ intercepting him.} No. 

Pollio. It will rain in. 

Sir Pard. No matter, you proceed. 

Pollio. [Aside.] Well, this old "coon is pretty nicely treed. 

[Picks up one of the King's long hoots and giving one end to 
Gryve, holds the other while he sharpens his dagger upon it.} 

'' If it were done " [stroke] " when 'tis done." [Stroke.] 

'• Then 'twere well " [Stroke. Gryve becomes alarmed.} 

" It were done quickl}*." [ Violent stroke, upsetting Gryve, 

Pollio holding the hoot in one hand and the dagger in the 
other.] Ah, there is the bell. [Bell strikes one.] 

The bell invites me, [Brandishing hoth hoot and knife and 
moving towards the hed.} 

Hear it not, O sleeper ! 

Forever closed stays your little peeper. 
King. [In his sleep, tossing.} "Avaunt!" 
Pollio. [Starts.} He wakes. 
Sir Pard. He dreams. 

King. [Still tossing.} '*And quit my sight." 

Pollio. [Throws the hoot at him and comes dovm.} 

[Weakly.} O dear ! he's given me a fearful fright, 

" Take any shape but that." 
Sir Pard. Come, don't dissemble. 

Pollio. And my firm nerves will never, never tremble. 

[Moves carefully toward the hed.} 

This time it Is an actual go. 
Sir Pard. Really? 

[Pollio is about to stab the Kino, ichen enter Queen Maria, 

L. F. in night-dress. All except Pollio, who does not see her, 

fearfully agitated.] 
Pollio. [Observing them all.] You're frightened now. Why 
act you all so queerly ? [ Turns and sees the Queen.] 



GAME OF CHESS. 41 

Lord, Where's the trap? I want to go through. 

[Falls into Sir Pardolph^s arms. 
Sir Pard. Stand upon your legs. ILifts liim up."] That HI eoo 

actly do. 
Queen. \_As soon as she can recover herself.'] 

What's this business, you vvretclied carpet-b'agger? 
AVho are you? [Pulls off his mask.l 

[In surprise.'] Pollio ! * [Tragically.] Give me the dagger. 

[Takes it.} 
Hence, wicked man, and silence I will keep, 
To save you from disgrace. [Aside^ trying to cry.] I'll try 
to weep. 

Chorus. Music—^^ Depart Te Sons of Aaron ^ — Athalie. 

Queen. Depart, depart, you wicked people, go, 

This wretched business here be ended, 

For it is not to be commended. 

Depart, depart, you wicked people, go. 
Female Pawns. It was our Queen, 'twas she. 
That we did try to free. 
That we did tr}'^ to free. 
Male Pawns. ^Ve go, we go, of course we'll have to go. 

It was our Queen, &c. 
Queen. It was for me, it was for me. 

Their murderous hands, their hands were raised. 

Their murderous hands were raised. 

Depart, you wicked people, go. 
Chorus. We go, we go, of course we'll have to go. 

We go, we go. 

[As the Queen stands waving off the last man, her brother wakes 
and puts his head through the curtains of the bed.] 

King. What's all this noise about? Explain it, will you? 

Queen. Brother, those cruel men were going to kill you. 

King. Kill me? What men? Why, there is no one here, 
Are you asleep? You're acting duced queer. 

Queen. I'll tell you all. I came in here just now 
Attracted by the symptoms of a row, 
I paused a moment there on yonder threshhold, 
For I beheld a sight that turned my flesh cold : 
A crowd of rufflans standing round your bed, 
All masked, and one flourished above his head 
A fearful looking knife. Had it descended. 
Your life, dear brother, would soon have been ended, 
But I cried out— you should have seen them stagger- 
Give me the knife. You see? [Showing it.] It is a dagger. 



42 GAME OF CHESS. 

[KmG gets out of bed, looks at her rather siispicioushj , and ex- 
amines the knife.'] 

King. [ With emotion.] Well, sister dear, to you I owe my life, 
[More emotion.] So take Sir Gryve, you may become his 
wife. 
Queen. O tliank you, dearest brother, for my freedom. 

[Is about to speak., then hesitates. 
King. Confound those mince pies. I thought I had thirteen 

mothers-in-law all visiting me at one time. 
Queen. O not Sir Gryve. I love — 1 love— Sir Naedhara. 
King. \^In a passion.] The White King's Knight? O, fool, I 
might have seen it, 
I withdraw all I've said. I did not mean it. 
Ha I Ha ! much sooner I'll your windpipe sever ; 
Give my consent to that? No never, never! 

[Queen /ainis and falls. King stoops down, raises her partially 
up., and fans her with his night-cap.] 

Enter King Sciepcevick, l. f., in night-dress, candle in hand. 

Sciep. If my wife is deaf, she vows she heard a racket 
And started me right off without my jacket. 
She says, I know there's some one in the house, 
And you can't always lay it to a mouse. 
It gets too thin. And you're not certain quite 
That in affright she may be more'n ''alf right. 
{Boldly.] Now I don't think there's anything the matter. 
\^Turns and observes the two. drops candle, trembles violently, &c.'] 
Is that a ghost or man? [Goes and ascertains. 

It is the latter. 
What does this mean, sir, if I might inquire? 
King G. Listen and you shall hear. 

[Throws her violently from him."] 
Wake up, Maria. 

Trio. Music — ^'Her Grace^s Intercession " — Lucretia. 

(^For words see vocal score.) 

End of Act Third. 



GAME OF CHESS. 



48 



ACT IV. 

Scene l.—A Grand Salon. Enter Sir Naedham, l. 3 e. 
Solo. Music,— ''^ The Shadows Deepen^'' — Don Munio, 

The shadows deepen on the castle walls, 

And soon the lesser orb of day, 

Will throw its mellow radiance round 

And so proclaim the coming of the night ; , 

While in this palace will I wait to meet my love. 

Patience, O longing lieart, and open wide your door, 

The love that fills her breast, response does find in thee. 

O thou, my star, in darkest night! 
O thou my brightest light of day. 
My joy wlien thou art in my sight, 
My food for dreaming when away. 

For thee my heart is ever longing, 
From out them all it loves thee best ; 
My thoughts to thee are ever thronging, 
When thou art present I am blest. 

Waft her. O breeze, my tend'rest greeting 
Her brother's rage is all I fear. 
We'll quiet him and then be meeting, 
O come, sweet love, I'm waiting here. 

Enter Queen Maria, l. f. 
Eecitative Music* 
Sir N. My love, how glad I am to see you once again. But 
you seem in trouble, dear. Why look so sad and weary? 
i am wretched now. indeed— my brother knows all. He 
knows my love for you. 
And what said he? 

That it should never, never be ; much sooner would 
he take my life. 

The villain ! But cheer up, darling, I have a premon- 
ition that something is about to happen. 
Look on the bright side, and all may yet be well. 

[ They walk up. 

Enter Pollio., R. f., a little off perpendicular, 
Pollio. [Spoken.'] Ha! ha! ha! [Laughing.^ The game is 
up, all spoiled. AVhy did'nt somebody tell me that 



Queen. 

Sir N. 
Queen. 

Sir K. 



*The recitative music in this act composed expressly for this piece by Robert 
Boimer, £sq. 



44 GAME OF CHESS. 

woman was — coming — there. I think if they had. I 
should have heen minus just ahout that time. [Laughs.] 
What is the reason, that just as soon as a man gets all 
his plans laid, and gets right up to the very [Hesitates 
for a word.'] brink of success, something or somebody 
upsets his little pail of milk. I never could see the use 
of it. But such Is life. [Sees Sir N. and Mahia.] Well 
friends, how are you getting on? Day fixed ? Trosseau 
ordei-ed from Paris ? Wish you joy ! I wish you joy I 
[Aside, to audience., hand to his mouth."] 'Sh ! I'm in 
her power, too. 

Enter King Gnottobougm, l. u. e. Maria hastily goes, r. 
Sir Naedham joins Pollio l. Enter Tardo and Clienta, 

L. U. E. 

Recitative Music. 

King G. [To Maria.] So, so, you still continue to meet him 
against my express commands. You think you can 
tease me into submission, perhaps — think PU calmly 
give up my throne to you, and a foreigner, a hated 
foreigner. But nothing of the kind will occur, and I 
give you fair warning that if I catch you two together 
again, I'll — 

[Assumes a threatening attitude towards her. To escape, she runs 
in front of him, is sheltered by her lover, who, as the KlNG 
turns, meets him face to face.] 

Sir N. [ With drawn sword.] Well, what will you do? 

King in too great rage to answer. Pollio laughing. Tardo 
and Clienta. r. Tableau. 

Trio. Music — '"Life Has No Power'''' — Belisario. 

QFor words see vocal score.) 

Recitative Music. 

King G. [To PolKo.] And as for you. sir. 

[Enter King S., r. u. e. 
Pollio. [In surprise.] Me ! 
King G. Yes, you, — you in whom I trusted so Implicitly, 

whose every breath I deemed so pure and so sincere. 
Pollio. My lieofe, '' what should this mean? " 
King G. You in whose honor my father had so long reposed 

confidence before me. You have deceived me I 
Pollio. 'Tisfalsel 



GAME OF CHESS. 45 

King G, 'Tis true ! You have forfeited your honor, you have 
made a hood of your oflSce to cover your iniquities. 

Pollio. The proofs, my Lord ! 

King. [Handing papers.] Behold them, knave, behold them! 

Pollio. [Beading.] My secret letter to the Commodore, and 
this — my own written confession of the attempted mur- 
der. Defend me, O, ye powers! ''What new advice 
will beat this from his brain." [To the King.] This is 
a base forgery, a conspiracy, a plot to injure my good 
name and reputation in j^our eyes. VVhere are my 
slanderers that I may crush them? 

Enter Sir Pardolph, r. 1. e. 

King G. Forgery indeed ! Call you it forgery now? 

[Points to Sm Pardolph, and glares at Pollio in triumphant 
rage ; after walks up.] 

Pollio. This paper has quite undone me. Fool that I was to 
have written it. Nay, then farewell, a long farewell to 
all my fancied greatness. I shall fall like a peacock's 
feathers when he observes his pedal extremities, and 
no man see me mourn. 

Quintette. Music — " What Bestrains Me'^— Lucia. 

(For words see vocal score.^ 

Recitative Music. 

King G. [Who has been listening and watching through the 
quintette. To Sir N.] So this is all your work. You 
regret that Pollio did not succeed. Ha ! ha ! I see it 
all, and this is my revenge. [Draws dagger and attempts 
to stab Sir Naedham. He is quickly surrounded and 
disarmed.] 

Sir S. [To King G.'i We'll have no more of this. An insult to 
one of my court is an insult to me. For such behavior 
you shall repent. What, ho ! my men — the cloth pre- 
pare. [The chess cloth is laid.] 

King G. [In fear.] Aha! [In confidence.] The challenge is 
accepted. Make haste, say I. 

Chorus. Make haste say we. [Exeunt R. and L. F. 



46 GAME OF CHESS. 

GRAND PROCESSIONAL MARCH. 

Music — Wollenhaupt's " Marche Hongroise." 

Enter in the folloiving order, Red, r. u. e. ; White, l. u. e. 
Kings and Queens, then Bishops, Knights, Castles and 
Pawns, in pairs. They march down directly in front of the 
wings to curtain line, turning right angles, across, passing 
at c. up on the opposite sides^ in to c. at back, and down in 
fours, Kings on the outside. Halt. First section, which 
consists of each King, his Bishop, his Knight and his 
Castle, about face. (^Red, left about ; White, right about.) 
They march to first four front squares nearest the wings. 
Halt. About face as before. March to next four upper 
squares; halt, and about face as before. 

Second section, which consists of each Queen, her Bishop, 
/ler Knight, and her Casti.e ; forward squad, left, (red;) 
and right, (white ;) to front corner squares; left and right 
again covering first four squares and halt. Left and right 
about. 

Outside halves of third section, which consists of the 
Pawns, right and left oblique, to occupy the eight front centre 
squares, column forward, squad left and right as before, to 
second outside i'ow of squares ; left and right again, and up, 
occupying them. Halt and about face. 

THE BATTLE. 

^ach King calls the moves., the piece taking his place to minuet 
music. 

1. White King's Pawn to King's 4th square. 

2. Bed King's Bishop's Pawn to Bishop's 4th square. 

3. White Queen to King's 2d square. 

4. Red Castle's Pawn to Castle's 4th square. 

5. White King's Knight to Castle's 2d square. 

6. Red Castle's Pawn to Castle's 5th square. 

7. White Queen to Bishop's 4th square. 

8. Red Castle to Castle's 4th square. 

9. White King's Knight to Bishop's 4th square. 

10. Red Queen's Knight to Bishop's 3d square. 

11. White King's Knight takes Castle. 



i 



GAME OF CHESS. 47 

12. Red Queen's Kni.f?ht to Castle's 4th square. 

13. AVhite Queen takes Red Kin^^ s Kni^iiit. 

14. Red KiMu:'s Bishop's Pawn takes Wliite Kuig's Pawn. 

15. White King's Knight to his 7th square. Checkmate 1 

Sir N. [Coming down to C] My love ! 

Maria. [Cuming down to c] My own ! 

ISir N. Can anything prevent our marriage now? 

Maria. Notlnng, ifom* kind friends in front only approve. 

Pollio. \Atc. back of them.'] If you will kindly allow me to 
ofticiate — 'twill do sometliing towards giving me a new 
start in life. [They seem undecided.'] I've reduced my 
price, you know, now. Just allow me to say the usual 
— [They hesitate a moment, then assent.] Bless you, 
my children, bless you. [Sir N. gives him a large en- 
velope^ he goes ii. of him^ tares it open and commences 
unfolding a very long paper. The other characters in the 
following positions : 

, CUeuta. Kings. Pol. Sir N. Maria. Mort. King G. u^ ^^ 

^- The Others form background.] ■ ^' 

Sir Pard. Sir Gryve, I am sorry for you. 

Gryve. Are youV Thank you, my dear boy, thank you kindly. 
But you see, 1 came to the conclusion that, ah. I did 
not care to be king after all. The work is pretty hard, 
and might, ah, wear me out too soon, you know. 

Sir Pard. [Aside.] There's philosophy for you, a la butterfly. 
[Aloud.] Then you are happy, I suppose? 

Gryve. O perfectly, and " so full of light and love." O my ! 

King S. [ To King G.] I hope you don't take your defeat very 
much to heart, my dear fellow. 

[Mortalando indulges in a quiet step dance. 

King G. [Aside.] Kills me and then calls me his dear fellow. 
[Aloud.] Take it to heart. O, no, it would be impossible 
to get it there— even if I had one. That avenue has 
long been blocked up worse than Dyer Street in the 
excursion season. [Observing Mortalando.] Why, 
Mortalando, what's the matter with you? Have you 
got the ague ? 

Mort. My feet are nervous. They haven't forgot it. 

King G. 'What? 

Mort. What they used to do when they were young. 



48 GAME OP CHES8. 

Pollio. {Beaches the end of his paper ^ and in disgust,'} A torn 
ten-cent scrip. Not redeemable. 

Ki^ff ^f {Looks at Mort, a moment in surprise^ and then,"] 

Well, Morty, I'll forgive you this time, for my own feet 
feel very much that way, so we will all dance in honor 
of our victorious Knight and his happy Queen. 

King G, P. S. If our kind friends will only spread the mantle of 
charity over any errors they may discover, and feel 
generous enough towards us and our object to till the 
house as many times, and we can retain Mr. Von 
Olker's indispensable assistance, we will dance for you, 
not only to-night, but a thousand and one nights. 

All waltz to ''''One Thousand and One Nights^'''' colored lights^ and 
Curtain. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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